writer’s (un)block

there’s something we’ve been meaning to do for like ummmm, the past 18 years. and inevitably one thing has always led to another.

one project has always birthed a new project.

one airstream turned into 5.

one season turned into 3.

every flea market kept calling our name…again, and again, and again…

and we were having so much fun.

and because we always get so excited about each and every project, we always go for it and put off the book another year….and another year…and another year…

18 years later, we still hadn’t even begun the junk gypsy book. the JG story. the story of junk.

until now. carpe diem.

we made ourselves SIT DOWN. we pushed pause on everything else for the past 5 months. we took a break from filming. from projects. (and obvs, from blogging since i’ve only managed to get 1 post out since december)

and we wrote our book. it’s taken every bit of brain power we never knew we had. we have LABORED over this book. over every detail. EVERY image (God bless April Pizana).

because of our squirrel brains, we knew we needed to move our desks from the HQ. so i have been on lockdown with amie (heaven help me…send the nice young men in clean white coats) since january in a far-away, undisclosed, remote location. just kidding, we’ve been on the back 40 of the property in the Wander Inn. for FIVE months. writing. and sketching. and editing. and basically eating frozen burritos. every. dang. day.

i may or may not have referenced jack nicholson in The Shining once or twice. REDRUM.

but y’all. we MADE it happen! we did it. we wrote every single WORD. EVERY paragraph. EVERY sentence. we’re in the final stages of the book design, but we’re in the homestretch. with an official publish date. FALL 2016!!!

and an official book cover!

and the BEST news of all, is that you could WIN from a biggo GIVEAWAY that our amazing publishers over at Simon & Schuster are offering just for pre-ordering the book!!!

CLICK the image below…it’ll take you to a site where you can register to win an all expenses paid trip to Round Top AND a JG shopping spree!! psst: the early bird gets the worm. the first 750 entries get a FREE gift!

PLUS, there are images you can pin (pleaseeeee please pin! and insta! and FB! and TWEET!) and other important INFO!

y’all we’re so excited to share this labor of love with y’all. it’s been a heckuva huge project for us- but we know, in the end, it’s going to be something we are so dang proud of. something that represents JG 100%. something that we hope you feel as connected to as we do.

also, several of y’all have asked about a launch team…we would loveeee to do this and we are so thankful y’all are asking!!! please comment below if you have launch team tips or if you’re interested and we’ll get that started asap!

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43 Comments

I am soooo excited for your book. Just last night I was watching your show (I keep a few episodes on the dvr for when I need some inspiration) and thought, I wish they would put out a book and then on Facebook today, there it was — a JUNK GYPSY BOOK!!! I have already preordered my copy. Congratulations!

I just pre-ordered a copy and I’m beyond excited for this book! Congrats on your dream becoming a reality! I would love to help with a launch team in any way I can. Let me know what I can do to spread the junkin’ word over here in California!

Seriously, califoria needs a lot of things!!! including ya!!!! All the cool people are in Texas. Boo but seriously ya are so inspirational. Everything I read from you guys just lights a fire in my soul that I want to do more, that I’m meant to do more. Thank you so much for empowering women like you do!!!! Where are you Mandi. I’m in Sacramento California

Seriously, califoria needs a lot of things!!! including ya!!!! All the cool people are in Texas. Boo but seriously ya are so inspirational. Everything I read from you guys just lights a fire in my soul that I want to do more, that I’m meant to do more. Thank you so much for empowering women like you do!!!! Where are you Mandi. I’m in Sacramento California

Congratulations to two of the most beautiful and creative women EVER! Thinking outside the box is an understatement for y’all. I have been missing your t.v. shows this season, and I was wondering where in the world you were! Now I know…locked in the Wander Inn creating something (your new book) that will rekindle my appetite for ALL THINGS JG. Can’t wait for the book to be published. I imagine Mom and Dad Sikes had lots to do with helping you get the book off the ground, huh? We love them, too.

Yeehaw!!!! COngRaTs to BotH of y’all!!!! As soon as I get the book, it would be an honor if you gals would sign my copy. I absolutely love y’all and all that your family does. Y’all are truly inspiring and I sincerely hope to meet y’all one day. God Bless y’all and congrats!!!

I have longed to design and create pieces as you both do since I had a meeting with my high school counselor to discuss what my plans were after high school. I wanted to be a interior designer. She quickly shot those dreams out saying I would have to go to school in a big city. Unfortunately I’m not and wasn’t then a big city person. Now I look back at the endless possibilities I could have maybe achieved living all my life in a small town outside of Fayetteville Arkansas, Not only did the school counselor burst my bubble but I landed straight on my backend on our slick wet porch steps a few years ago taking the dog out. Interior design is not all is was the whole ball of wax. Designing, sawing, hammering, climbing. Things I can’t do today but wish I was able to. I love watching your shows as it gives me happiness knowing I still can do some things given my back and neck problems. I love you all and can’t wait to read your book!!! Will share, tell all my friends and congrats to yall!

oh my gracious. sister, we’re so sorry to hear all of this! i’m so glad that our shows give you happiness and hope that some of our small DIY’s are something you can do someday…maybe decoupage or glittering things. hang in there and keep spreading the love!

I need a vak so bad I have been sick by the a really bad doctor ending up losing my asofagues so 6 years later still have stuff to deal with I have been bying stuff from you all for years I would love to meet you all
KATHRYN Pelletti

Just pre-ordered Y’lL . I have to say it would be a dream come true if I won s trip to meet Y’all. I’m one of your biggest fans. Have been for years. Striving to be your junk gypsy sister from the north & living my dream owning my own junk business (Farm Girl Junk)

I am from Minnesota and a couple of years ago we drove to TX, found your store and it was closed. Really disappointed, but would to have another go at it. I am sure that your book will be filled with wonderful and fun new redoes. Looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing your talent.

hi linda! soooo sorry we were closed…our little town of round top folds up sundays-tuesdays it seems! we’re open more days now though so please migrate back south when you can! we’re open wednesday-sunday!

You lead by example and share what you know and what inspires you. I would love to help promote your book.
Let me know what you need and lets get you on the best sellers list. As I love to say, “In numbers what was once a whisper becomes a voice not to be ignored.” Continue to lead by example and I will follow y’all. From your friend and kindred spirit Michelle E. Black! Congrats on all of your successes! Stay Awesome!

Hey y’all, My name is Michelle and I just retired from the Army and bought my fixer upper on 5 acers here in GA and about to begin a labor of love. With you book and inspiration I hope to make this house our home. If your ever near by I could use some help !! Thank you for living your truth helping others to find theirs too.